Alexei Volkov
Chewing gum is one of the most popular confectionery products globally, with 160.03 million Americans chewing gum or bubble gum in 2020. However, it may come as a surprise that most chewing gums contain plastic. The ingredient known as gum base is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic. While the US FDA has approved these plastics for use in chewing gum, recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans. This has led to growing consumer concern and the emergence of plastic-free gum brands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of plastic found in gum | Polyvinyl acetate |
| Other names | Gum base, food-grade polymers, thermoplastic, or thermosoftening plastic |
| Percentage of plastic in gum | 80% |
| Plastic-free gum brands | Glee Gum, Simply Gum, Nuud |
| Safety | The FDA has approved the use of plastic in gum and deemed it safe for consumption |
| Microplastics released | 100 microplastics per gram of chewing gum |
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What You'll Learn
Polyvinyl acetate is a plastic used in gum
Polyvinyl acetate is a type of plastic that is commonly used in chewing gum. It is listed in the ingredients as "gum base", which makes up about 80% of the product. Polyvinyl acetate is a thermoplastic, or thermosoftening plastic, which means it becomes pliable or mouldable at elevated temperatures and solidifies upon cooling. This property is what gives chewing gum its signature chewy texture.
Polyvinyl acetate was discovered in Germany in 1912 by Fritz Klatte. It is produced by the polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer, and it belongs to the polyvinyl ester family. This plastic is widely used in adhesives, such as glue, and in the production of plastic bags and bottles. It is also used as a food additive in the manufacturing of chewing gum, fruit and vegetable glazes, and other food products.
The use of polyvinyl acetate in chewing gum has been a topic of debate due to concerns about the potential health risks of consuming plastic. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has evaluated the safety of this ingredient and approved its use in chewing gum. The FDA spokesperson stated that they have reviewed the safety of chewing gum base constituents many times since at least 1960.
Despite the FDA's approval, some people may still prefer to avoid chewing gum with plastic ingredients. Eco-friendly and plastic-free gum alternatives are available from brands like Glee Gum and Simply Gum. These options provide a way to enjoy chewing gum without contributing to the environmental and health concerns associated with plastic consumption.
While polyvinyl acetate is a plastic, it is important to note that chewing gum is not purely plastic. It contains other ingredients like sweeteners, softeners, flavours, and colours. However, the presence of plastic in gum has led some people to consider it a "'plastic dish" or an inedible plastic product".
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Microplastics are released into saliva when chewing gum
Chewing gum is one of the few foods that intentionally contain plastic. The "gum base" in the list of ingredients in chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic or thermosoftening plastic. This plastic has been approved by the FDA for use in chewing gum. However, recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a potential risk to humans.
A pilot study by UCLA engineers found that microplastics are present in chewing gum. The research suggests that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested. On average, 100 microplastic particles are released for each gram of gum chewed, though some gum types emitted up to 600 particles per gram. A typical piece of gum weighs between 2 and 6 grams, meaning a large piece of gum could release up to 3,000 plastic particles. If the average person chews 160 to 180 small sticks of gum per year, this could result in the ingestion of around 30,000 microplastics.
The researchers tested five brands of synthetic gum and five brands of natural gum, all of which are commercially available. To their surprise, they found that natural and synthetic gum types released similar levels of microplastics. Most of the microplastics detached from the gum within the first 2 minutes of chewing, and after 8 minutes of chewing, 94% of the plastic particles collected during the tests had been released.
While the effect of ingested microplastics on human health is still unclear, animal studies and studies with human cells have shown that they may cause harm. Scientists estimate that humans consume tens of thousands of microplastics every year through foods, drinks, and plastic packaging. With growing awareness of the presence of microplastics in everyday items, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure to microplastics by choosing plastic-free chewing gum alternatives.
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Plastic-free gum alternatives exist
Chewing gum typically contains plastic, specifically polyvinyl acetate, which is also used in glue, plastic bags, and bottles. This plastic is listed as "gum base" on the ingredients list. However, plastic-free gum alternatives do exist. Glee Gum and Simply Gum are two examples of eco-friendly chewing gum brands that do not contain plastic. Simply Gum, for instance, uses chicle, a sustainable tree sap sourced from Central America, instead of artificial substances like synthetic plastic. True Co. also offers a plastic-free, vegan, sugar-free chewing gum option.
While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of plastics in chewing gum, studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans. Microplastics are tiny particles that form when plastic breaks down, contaminating our food and water. Even those who don't chew gum are likely ingesting microplastics, as they are present in our environment, food, and water sources.
The presence of plastic in chewing gum has raised concerns among consumers, with some seeking plastic-free alternatives. This shift towards eco-friendly options is not limited to gum but extends to other personal care products as well. Consumers are increasingly opting for plastic-free hair care, deodorants, skincare, and lip balms to reduce their environmental impact and potential health risks associated with microplastics.
While the exact number of plastic-free gum options available may vary by region, it is encouraging to see a growing trend towards more sustainable and healthier alternatives. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the impact of their choices, and companies are responding by offering products that meet these evolving preferences. This dynamic showcases the power that consumers have in driving change and creating a more sustainable future.
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The FDA considers plastic in gum safe for consumption
Chewing gum is one of the only foods that intentionally contain plastic. The "gum base" in the list of ingredients in chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a type of plastic. This ingredient is also used in the production of glue, plastic bags, and bottles. While it may be surprising to some, the FDA has evaluated the safety of many substances used to make up chewing gum bases and has approved these plastics for use in chewing gum.
In a statement, an FDA spokesperson said, "The FDA has evaluated the safety of many substances used to make up chewing gum base... The 46 substances that we have reviewed and determined to be safe for this use can be found in our regulations." The list of acceptable substances includes chicle and natural resins as well as plastics and wood rosins. The FDA has reviewed the safety of chewing gum base constituents many times since at least 1960 and continues to revisit the safety of any food ingredient as appropriate when new safety information becomes available.
Despite the FDA's approval, recent studies have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with chewing gum. A pilot study by the American Chemical Society found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested. Researchers measured an average of 100 microplastics released per gram of gum, with some individual pieces releasing up to 600 microplastics per gram. If the average person chews 160 to 180 small sticks of gum per year, this could result in the ingestion of around 30,000 microplastics.
While the health risks of microplastics are still being studied, some experts recommend reducing exposure to them as a precautionary measure. Individuals who wish to lower their exposure to microplastics may choose to avoid chewing gum, as it has been identified as a potential source of microplastic exposure. However, it's important to note that microplastics are pervasive in everyday life, and humans are exposed to them through various sources, including food, drinks, and plastic packaging.
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Plastic is listed as 'gum base' in ingredients
Chewing gum is one of the few foods that intentionally contain plastic. The ingredient known as "gum base" on the list of ingredients in chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic or thermosoftening plastic. Polyvinyl acetate is also used in the production of glue, plastic bags, and bottles.
The use of plastics in chewing gum is not a new development, and synthetic elastomers have been used in chewing gum since the early 1950s. The FDA has evaluated the safety of many substances used to make up chewing gum bases and has determined that the use of plastics in chewing gum is safe for consumption. However, recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans, and chewing gum has been associated with microplastic exposure.
While the health effects of microplastics are still being researched, it is important to note that plastic-free chewing gum options are available on the market. Glee Gum and Simply Gum are two examples of brands that offer plastic-free alternatives.
It is worth mentioning that the presence of plastic in chewing gum has raised concerns among consumers. A survey found that 75% of British consumers would support a ban on chewing gum made of plastic. This has led to marketing campaigns centered on the idea of "chewing plants, not plastic," emphasizing the use of plant-based polymers in natural gums.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most chewing gums contain plastic. The ingredient known as "gum base" in the list of ingredients in chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a type of plastic.
Polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, and polyisobutylene (PIB) are some plastics used in chewing gum.
Plastic is added to chewing gum to make it chewy.
Yes, there are several plastic-free chewing gum options available, such as Glee Gum, Simply Gum, Chewsy, Nuud, and Chicza Gum.
